Fury as Muslim centre plans to convert Grade II-listed pub into a mosque | UK | News
A Muslim center, II. has announced plans to turn a grade-listed pub into a mosque. The proposal calls for the transformation of the historic building into a place of worship and community center that can accommodate more than 200 people.
Norwich Muslim Center has submitted plans to turn the Gatehouse pub, which has been empty since 2023 following the death of its owner, into a mosque. But some locals opposed the plans, with one saying he was “appalled” by the plans. Others have expressed concern about increased traffic congestion in Dereham Road and the surrounding area, while others have expressed fears Norwich could lose another historic boozer.
As reported by Great Britain NewsOne objector said: “I was horrified to read that the Gatehouse pub on the list was to be converted into a mosque.” They also argued that many bars had disappeared and insisted there was no justification for building another mosque in the city.
A second added: “As it is, the cars parked on Dereham Road from Bowthorpe Road to Waterworks Road at Friday lunchtime are appalling.”
However, some people support adding the mosque. They praise the plan’s respect for the building’s architecture and insist that construction of the house of worship should be allowed.
One person wrote: “I welcome the use of this building and have already been part of a community event. It has been very enjoyable.”
Norwich Muslim Center hopes the mosque will become a community hub that both offers a place to worship and encourages interfaith dialogue and conversation.
Sirajul Islam, one of the centre’s trustees, said: “We try to emphasize working with the community. The aim is to bring people together. We want to share this with everyone.”
Plans outline a rear extension of the building dating back to 1935, as well as a hall area to host celebrations and festivals. It will be able to accommodate more than 200 people.
But the Norwich and District branch of CAMRA, a voluntary organization that promotes local pubs in the UK, objected to the plans. They argue that the historic pub forms part of the city’s heritage and should not be altered.
